Largest expansion in TriMet history announced

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — On a mission to move people faster, TriMet is making some big service changes starting this weekend.

The transportation organization revealed the largest expansion in TriMet history in a press conference on Friday. The press conference was help with TriMet’s partners from the City of Beaverton, Washington County and Multnomah County as they kicked off increased service along a 40-mile stretch.

“We’re announcing Line 76 will be going from Beaverton Transit Center down to Tigard and Tualatin,” said Doug Kelsey. “Line 20, which is one of our longest lines, will be going from the Beaverton Transit Center to Gresham.”

TriMet General Manager Doug Kelsey said starting March 1, these 24-hour lines will be running every 15 minutes — or faster — seven days a week. Plus, TriMet will bring more weekend buses along with earlier and later weekday service.

Courtesy: TriMet

To speed things up in the downtown core, two underutilized MAX stations in downtown Portland will permanently close. A third station will also be closed, but for a one year trial period.

TriMet decided to close the stations because some were within 500 feet of the next stop.

“Which is literally four train-car lengths away from the next train system,” said Kelsey.

Beginning on Sunday, the Mall and Southwest 4th stop along with the the Mall and Southwest 5th Avenue stop will no longer be in operation. Kings Hill and Southwest Salmon between Goose Hollow and Providence Park stations will be shut down for the one-year trial.